Tension is high as the Take It Back Movement leads nationwide protests today, June 12, in at least 20 cities, including Abuja, Lagos, and Benin. The protests are aimed at highlighting rising economic hardship, insecurity, and misgovernance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Tinubu, who cancelled his planned national broadcast, will instead address a joint session of the National Assembly as part of Democracy Day celebrations. Protesters plan to march on the Assembly in Abuja, and other key locations across Nigeria.

Security agencies have deployed personnel nationwide to maintain order. In some states, police warned against disorder but affirmed the right to peaceful protest. In Lagos, the NBA urged police to protect demonstrators, citing constitutional rights.

The organisers insist the protests will go ahead despite reports of harassment of coordinators in states like Lagos, Gombe, and Edo. They urged citizens to speak out against worsening poverty, insecurity, and what they call two years of “misrule.”

While some states, including Kano and Kwara, opted for lectures and workshops instead of street protests, groups in others like Niger, Delta, and Edo are mobilising crowds. Authorities have promised to ensure peaceful commemorations, but warned they would respond to any threats to public peace.